Regulation of Beta₂-Adrenergic Receptors on Cd4 and Cd8 Positive Lymphocytes by Cytokines in Vitro

Author： Wahle M. Stachetzki U. Krause A. Pierer M. Häntzschel H. Baerwald C.G.O.

ISSN： 1043-4666

Source： Cytokine, Vol.16, Iss.6, 2001-12, pp. : 205-209

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Abstract

Increasing evidence points to a close relationship between the autonomic nervous system and the immune system. To further investigate mechanisms regulating β₂-adrenergic receptor (β₂R) expression in lymphocytes, the influence of cytokines on the density of β₂R on purified CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocytes was determined in vitro. β₂R were determined by means of a radioligand binding assay with (¹²⁵I)iodocyanopindolol. CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocytes were incubated with catecholamines, interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) for 6–72 h. The results demonstrate declining β₂R numbers on CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocytes in vitro augmented by epinephrine. IL-1β has no effect on β₂R expression compared to medium. However, incubation with IL-2 resulted in an up-regulation of β₂R on CD8⁺ lymphocytes. Thus, the study demonstrates a differential regulation of β₂R on T-lymphocyte subpopulations with CD8⁺ lymphocytes being more susceptible to mechanisms of β₂R modulation than CD4⁺ lymphocytes. The findings further strengthen the concept of a close interplay between the autonomic nervous system and the immune system.